2009 nissan murano @ $1,500 Less than Previous Model
12-06-07 | 11:49 PM
#1
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Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,468
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From: Vancouver, BC
2009 nissan murano @ $1,500 Less than Previous Model
Since its inception, Nissan has had a winner on its hands in the form of its Murano crossover, which first went on sale in 2003 as a 2004 model and helped popularize the crossover segment. The Japanese automaker is obviously hoping to build on that success with the substantially reworked 2009 Murano making its world bow the 2007 Los Angeles auto show.
The new Murano features a slightly revised version of Nissan's now venerable 3.5-liter V-6 VQ series engine, which is rated at 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque -- up 25 horsepower and four lb-ft over the outgoing model. Nissan's second-generation CVT with the automaker's Adaptive Shift Control system is the only transmission offered.
The front-drive-based Murano is built on Nissan's new D-platform, a version of which is found underneath the 2008 Altima. Nissan claims the new vehicle has one-and-a-half times more torsional rigidity than the outgoing model, along with improved NVH ratings. The suspension reportedly makes "extensive use" of aluminum components to help lighten the Murano's mass, although its final curb-weight ratings have yet to be announced. A refreshing change is that the five-passenger Murano is not significantly larger: At a length of 188.5 inches, width of 74.1 inches, and height of 66.9 inches, it's just 0.9 inch longer, 0.1 inch wider, and 0.4 inch taller than the model it replaces.
Underpinning the Murano's revised suspension geometry is a subframe-mounted independent front strut setup with stabilizer bar in tandem with an independent multilink rear with another stabilizer bar. Other vehicle systems include speed-sensitive power steering, power-assisted vented front and rear disc brakes with ABS, and Nissan's Standard Vehicle Dynamic Control and traction-control systems. Yaw Moment Control is a feature available on higher-end, all-wheel-drive-equipped models.
While the new Murano's exterior shape generally fits the gentle evolution restyles we've seen recently in other Nissan models such as the Altima and Infiniti G35, the most striking differences are a restyled front grille with integrated foglamps, more aggressive wheel arches, and a reworked headlight treatment. The interior has been significantly upgraded and is much more upscale in appearance (Nissan calls it a "mobile suite" look) than the automaker's entry-level Rogue crossover.
With $15K compact-cars boasting Bluetooth connectivity and satellite radio, the Murano, which will likely start in the $28K range, offers a host of technological options in the cabin, including a touch-screen navigation system that responds to voice commands and a 9.3 gigabyte hard drive for digital music storage. XM Nav Traffic also is available, as is a DVD Mobile Entertainment System that features wireless headphones, a remote control, and a center-of-gravity nine-inch rising monitor. Between the racket created from the available 11-speaker Bose audio system and the DVD playing in the back, Nissan's RearView Monitor will help you concentrate on safely backing up into that corner parking space.
HID headlights and 20-inch wheels will be available (18-inchers are standard) on higher-end Muranos. All five trim levels -- S 2WD, SL 2WD, S AWD, SL AWD, LE AWD -- get six airbags and front-seat Active Head Restraints as standard equipment.
Expect the 2009 Murano to begin rolling into dealerships in January of next year.
The new Murano features a slightly revised version of Nissan's now venerable 3.5-liter V-6 VQ series engine, which is rated at 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque -- up 25 horsepower and four lb-ft over the outgoing model. Nissan's second-generation CVT with the automaker's Adaptive Shift Control system is the only transmission offered.
The front-drive-based Murano is built on Nissan's new D-platform, a version of which is found underneath the 2008 Altima. Nissan claims the new vehicle has one-and-a-half times more torsional rigidity than the outgoing model, along with improved NVH ratings. The suspension reportedly makes "extensive use" of aluminum components to help lighten the Murano's mass, although its final curb-weight ratings have yet to be announced. A refreshing change is that the five-passenger Murano is not significantly larger: At a length of 188.5 inches, width of 74.1 inches, and height of 66.9 inches, it's just 0.9 inch longer, 0.1 inch wider, and 0.4 inch taller than the model it replaces.
Underpinning the Murano's revised suspension geometry is a subframe-mounted independent front strut setup with stabilizer bar in tandem with an independent multilink rear with another stabilizer bar. Other vehicle systems include speed-sensitive power steering, power-assisted vented front and rear disc brakes with ABS, and Nissan's Standard Vehicle Dynamic Control and traction-control systems. Yaw Moment Control is a feature available on higher-end, all-wheel-drive-equipped models.
While the new Murano's exterior shape generally fits the gentle evolution restyles we've seen recently in other Nissan models such as the Altima and Infiniti G35, the most striking differences are a restyled front grille with integrated foglamps, more aggressive wheel arches, and a reworked headlight treatment. The interior has been significantly upgraded and is much more upscale in appearance (Nissan calls it a "mobile suite" look) than the automaker's entry-level Rogue crossover.
With $15K compact-cars boasting Bluetooth connectivity and satellite radio, the Murano, which will likely start in the $28K range, offers a host of technological options in the cabin, including a touch-screen navigation system that responds to voice commands and a 9.3 gigabyte hard drive for digital music storage. XM Nav Traffic also is available, as is a DVD Mobile Entertainment System that features wireless headphones, a remote control, and a center-of-gravity nine-inch rising monitor. Between the racket created from the available 11-speaker Bose audio system and the DVD playing in the back, Nissan's RearView Monitor will help you concentrate on safely backing up into that corner parking space.
HID headlights and 20-inch wheels will be available (18-inchers are standard) on higher-end Muranos. All five trim levels -- S 2WD, SL 2WD, S AWD, SL AWD, LE AWD -- get six airbags and front-seat Active Head Restraints as standard equipment.
Expect the 2009 Murano to begin rolling into dealerships in January of next year.
source & more pix: http://www.motortrend.com/features/a...ano_first_look
12-07-07 | 09:15 AM
#6
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,545
Likes: 0
From: MO
Not to steal the thunder of the MT review but I thought it made sense to also put the Edmunds review here too.
2009 Murano
What Works:
Upgrades to the transmission add responsiveness; significantly enhanced interior is a huge step for Nissan; resisting trend to third-row seating rewards second-row passengers with acres of room.
What Needs Work:
With rear seats occupied, cargo volume is still a little restricted; unremarkable fuel economy could be a deal-breaker in this segment.
Bottom Line:
Nissan retains attractive baby while throwing out dirty bathwater.
As the 2009 Nissan Murano proves, Nissan figured out this whole crossover thing before the rest of us.
It's pretty uncommon for a vehicle to actually gather increasing steam when it comes to sales as it gets older, but the Murano has done exactly that. Introduced as a 2004 model, sales of the Nissan Murano have climbed every year since then, reaching 81,000 units in 2006.
Apparently this enthusiasm for car-based crossover utilities is some kind of trend, you think?
Evolution, Not Revolution
Now that the Murano has developed a loyal following, Nissan has been careful to evolve, improve and upgrade the all-new 2009 Murano without compromising the things responsible for its success. As we see it, these things have been the Murano's untraditional exterior style, its ample second-row accommodations and its engaging driving dynamics.
A quick look at reader reviews shows that current Nissan Murano owners confirm our assessment, but they would also like to see better interior materials, a more responsive transmission, an auxiliary input jack (among other electronic conveniences) and a larger cargo area.
Beneath the 2009 Nissan Murano is the same recently upgraded platform that already supports the 2008 Nissan Altima, and that's a good thing. The 2009 Murano's version of the VQ-Series 3.5-liter V6 that's part of the Altima package now delivers 265 horsepower instead of 240, while its fuel economy of 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway remains the same now that there's been a change in the EPA's methodology.
As before, the Murano continues to feature a continuously variable transmission (CVT), a choice that seemed misguided in 2004 but has since proven to be a stroke of genius now that gasoline prices are off the scale. The 2009 Murano gets the Altima's latest-generation Xtronic CVT with its sophisticated adaptive shift control (ASC) software. The ASC dictates when and where an infinite number of "shifts" occur, and the shift-control software also has quickened shift speed by 30 percent. As a result, the reactions of the CVT are so good that Nissan decided that it is unnecessary to offer a manual-shift mode with this CVT — and we totally agree.
Cheshire Cat No More
Having acquired a solid platform and capable powertrain from its Nissan stablemates, the biggest challenge for the 2009 Murano has been the evolution of the already eye-catching, curvaceous exterior styling into an all-new body that would still be recognized as a Murano.
Its signature grille-dominated face has been further developed with a new grille that incorporates multi-element headlamp clusters with optional HIDs. We like the arrangement not just because it comes off less like the Cheshire Cat's grin than it did before, but also because it's easy to get a face wrong by going either too far (Acura MDX) or not far enough (Hyundai Veracruz).
On the inside, the 2009 Murano could be mistaken for an Infiniti, especially our top-tier LE all-wheel-drive model, which is new for the model year. The low-volume sport-tuned SE model has been eliminated, while the S and SL remain.
Upgraded Interior
All of the interior materials are exceptionally good, the colors and textures are pleasing and the overall design is richer and far more attractive than before. But Nissan hasn't stopped there. Since it was introduced nearly five years ago, the Murano has been a little behind in terms of up-to-date infotainment, so Nissan has conducted an electronics makeover.
Key optional equipment now includes Bose audio with 11 speakers; XM Satellite Radio; a genuine iPod interface (standard on LE, and it's one of the best we've used); Bluetooth connectivity; a rear-seat DVD system with a 9-inch drop-down screen; and of course Nissan's 20GB hard-drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic plus 9.3GB of memory allotted for music storage.
The Murano LE also makes a major statement with its range of optional convenience features, including intelligent key, rearview monitor, heated front and rear seats, dual-panel moonroof, xenon headlamps and power liftgate.
Standard equipment on all 2009 Muranos now includes push-button ignition; tilt-telescoping steering wheel (manual on S and SL, powered with memory on LE); AM/FM and six-CD changer audio system with six speakers (up from four) and an auxiliary input jack with MP3/WMA capability; and lever-released 60/40-fold-flat rear seatbacks with power return (standard on SL and LE).
Sumptuous and well-contoured front and rear seats complete the package. By refusing to give in to the trend toward three-row seating, the Murano has been able to maintain class-leading accommodations for the second-row rear passengers. With our high-zoot LE, even the rear passengers enjoy heated seats. A high level of equipment plus a pleasant overall ambience help elevate the Murano from stylistic curiosity to competitive player in the near-lux class for crossovers.
But good looks and fancy electronics go only so far.
Good Performance
At the test track, the powerful 2009 Murano LE accelerates to 60 mph in 8 seconds flat, while its capable four-wheel disc brakes stop it from 60 mph in just 122 feet. These performance figures place it near the top of its class.
When it comes to handling at the limit, the 4,135-pound Murano circles the skid pad (unimpeded by the stability control, which can't be shut off completely) with 0.79g in lateral grip. Weaving through the slalom field, however, awoke the safety system and it allowed only a pass at 59.2 mph.
A reengineered suspension with lightweight aluminum pieces and a new steering system also make the Murano a willing and surprisingly communicative partner in daily driving. No doubt the combination of these chassis upgrades and a new predictive (not reactive) all-wheel-drive system (first introduced by the 2008 Nissan Rogue) contribute to the Murano's genuine agility and overall feel of predictability. And, contrary to what some might expect from the newly available 20-inch rolling stock (LE model), the 235/50TR20 Toyo Proxes A20 tires don't degrade the ride either.
Cargo space seems to be the only area where Nissan has been unable to improve the Murano. The volume itself has shrunk fractionally, so Nissan has added convenience. There's a nifty pop-up grocery organizer first seen in the Rogue, as well as one-pull rear-seat releases in the cargo bay. The rear seats motor back into place with the push of a button either on the dashboard or next to the release lever in the rear.
A Compelling Crossover
Prices have yet to be announced, but expect a base front-wheel-drive 2009 Nissan Murano S to start at just over $28,000 and a fully loaded Murano LE AWD to bump its well-equipped head on the $40,000 ceiling.
This attractive array of models and prices, plus all of the substantial upgrades throughout the model range, should ensure the second-generation Murano continued success for at least another four years.
Nissan seemed to be taking a wild chance on an unproven market segment when it first introduced the Murano back in 2004, but now we've all realized that it was jumping into the future.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do....photopanel..2
Car & Driver
Tested: 2009 Nissan Murano SL AWD - Short Take Road Tests
Sharper sheetmetal and an upgraded interior add to this already fine-driving SUV.
BY MARK GILLIES, December 2007
We didn’t have too many gripes with the old Nissan Murano, introduced in 2003 as a 2004 model. Along with the Lexus RX300—now RX350—the Murano helped to pioneer the hot-selling vehicle du jour, the so-called crossover SUV. Often based on car platforms, crossovers combine the virtues of an SUV—available all-wheel drive, a high seating position, and wagon-like versatility—with more carlike handling and drivability than the traditional truck-based SUVs. The original Murano was based on the underpinnings of the previous generation Altima, so it drove quite nicely. The interior was versatile and roomy, and the only real letdown was the cheesy interior trim, which was as low rent as a trailer park in Alabama.
For 2009, Nissan has introduced the second-gen version of the vehicle, based on the latest Altima. Although Nissan says that it rides on its all-new D platform, both the old and new Murano share a 111.2 inch wheelbase. As before, the Murano has an all-around independent suspension, with struts at the front and a multilink arrangement at the rear. Speed-sensitive power steering is fitted, along with four-wheel vented disc brakes. The Murano is available either in front- or all-wheel-drive guise, the latter featuring enhanced electronic control to work seamlessly with the stability control system, which is now a standard feature.
Much Like the Old Murano
Like the previous vehicle, the Murano uses Nissan’s VQ 3.5 liter V-6 engine. In this iteration, it has been revised with a higher compression ratio and a variable intake system to give 265 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque, up from 240 hp and 244 lb-ft. The continuously variable automatic transmission remains, but has been upgraded to perform more like a conventional automatic. However, the lack of a manumatic controller is a hint that these vehicles are more likely to make school runs rather than carve mountain roads.
The new Murano looks a bit like the old one, but the sheetmetal is sharper edged and more modern, with a pleasingly butch stance when outfitted with the optional 20-inch wheels and tires (eighteens are standard equipment). The new model is a touch bigger, too; 0.1 inches wider (74.1 inches), 0.9 inches longer overall (188.5 inches), and 0.4 inches taller (66.9 inches).
The interior is marginally smaller than in the previous model due to the styling changes above the waistline, with 109 cubic feet of space for passengers and 32 cubic feet for their chattels. Passenger space is better than both the Ford Edge and Mazda CX-7, its most closely stacked competitors, while cargo room is almost identical. The new Toyota Highlander, which has an available third-row seat, has five cubic feet more space for occupants, although its cargo hold is 42 cubic feet without the optional third-row seat. Nissan purposely eschewed the current fashion of fitting a third-row bench seat that only functions as a penalty box for those times when Soccer Mom A needs Soccer Mom B to transport her kids to and from the game/school/whatever.
Refined Manners, Above-Average Performance
The most obvious and welcome improvement to the Murano is the interior décor and styling, which has gone from class lagging to class leading. There are plenty of soft-touch materials on display along with pleasing aluminum accents, as well as a boatload of available luxury features. The base S model is a touch Spartan, but the step-up SL gets standard refinements such as a power-operated second-row seatback and availability of a number of features that are standard on the upscale LE: heated front seats, Bluetooth phone connectivity, and a rear parking camera. A rear-seat entertainment system and hard-drive based navigation system appear on the options list, even for the LE. Fully loaded, with things such as the touch-screen nav, leather seats, the newly available dual panel power sliding glass moonroof with second-row skylight, and the premium stereo system, a Murano will come close to topping $40,000. The base S will cost about $29,000 when it goes on sale in January, with prices rising to an estimated $31,000 for the SL, and $33,000 for the LE. All-wheel drive adds $1600 to the S and SE stickers, but is standard on the LE.
The new Murano drives very much like the old one. The highway ride is nicely controlled and supple (engineers worked to address criticism that the original was too stiff), the steering is light yet accurate, and it can be guided along a country road at respectable speeds. The engine makes a subdued growl under hard acceleration, but the noise goes largely AWOL at part-throttle while cruising down the highway. The car steps off the line smartly enough, recording a 0-to-60-mph time of 7.2 seconds, which is above average for its class and 0.3-second quicker than the previous model. It hardly drives as sporty as the CX-7, but feels much lighter on its feet than the Edge. That’s almost moot for its target audience, which will doubtless be more appreciative of the refined cruising ability on the way to the mall.
http://www.caranddriver.com/shortroa...no-sl-awd.html
2009 Murano
What Works:
Upgrades to the transmission add responsiveness; significantly enhanced interior is a huge step for Nissan; resisting trend to third-row seating rewards second-row passengers with acres of room.
What Needs Work:
With rear seats occupied, cargo volume is still a little restricted; unremarkable fuel economy could be a deal-breaker in this segment.
Bottom Line:
Nissan retains attractive baby while throwing out dirty bathwater.
As the 2009 Nissan Murano proves, Nissan figured out this whole crossover thing before the rest of us.
It's pretty uncommon for a vehicle to actually gather increasing steam when it comes to sales as it gets older, but the Murano has done exactly that. Introduced as a 2004 model, sales of the Nissan Murano have climbed every year since then, reaching 81,000 units in 2006.
Apparently this enthusiasm for car-based crossover utilities is some kind of trend, you think?
Evolution, Not Revolution
Now that the Murano has developed a loyal following, Nissan has been careful to evolve, improve and upgrade the all-new 2009 Murano without compromising the things responsible for its success. As we see it, these things have been the Murano's untraditional exterior style, its ample second-row accommodations and its engaging driving dynamics.
A quick look at reader reviews shows that current Nissan Murano owners confirm our assessment, but they would also like to see better interior materials, a more responsive transmission, an auxiliary input jack (among other electronic conveniences) and a larger cargo area.
Beneath the 2009 Nissan Murano is the same recently upgraded platform that already supports the 2008 Nissan Altima, and that's a good thing. The 2009 Murano's version of the VQ-Series 3.5-liter V6 that's part of the Altima package now delivers 265 horsepower instead of 240, while its fuel economy of 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway remains the same now that there's been a change in the EPA's methodology.
As before, the Murano continues to feature a continuously variable transmission (CVT), a choice that seemed misguided in 2004 but has since proven to be a stroke of genius now that gasoline prices are off the scale. The 2009 Murano gets the Altima's latest-generation Xtronic CVT with its sophisticated adaptive shift control (ASC) software. The ASC dictates when and where an infinite number of "shifts" occur, and the shift-control software also has quickened shift speed by 30 percent. As a result, the reactions of the CVT are so good that Nissan decided that it is unnecessary to offer a manual-shift mode with this CVT — and we totally agree.
Cheshire Cat No More
Having acquired a solid platform and capable powertrain from its Nissan stablemates, the biggest challenge for the 2009 Murano has been the evolution of the already eye-catching, curvaceous exterior styling into an all-new body that would still be recognized as a Murano.
Its signature grille-dominated face has been further developed with a new grille that incorporates multi-element headlamp clusters with optional HIDs. We like the arrangement not just because it comes off less like the Cheshire Cat's grin than it did before, but also because it's easy to get a face wrong by going either too far (Acura MDX) or not far enough (Hyundai Veracruz).
On the inside, the 2009 Murano could be mistaken for an Infiniti, especially our top-tier LE all-wheel-drive model, which is new for the model year. The low-volume sport-tuned SE model has been eliminated, while the S and SL remain.
Upgraded Interior
All of the interior materials are exceptionally good, the colors and textures are pleasing and the overall design is richer and far more attractive than before. But Nissan hasn't stopped there. Since it was introduced nearly five years ago, the Murano has been a little behind in terms of up-to-date infotainment, so Nissan has conducted an electronics makeover.
Key optional equipment now includes Bose audio with 11 speakers; XM Satellite Radio; a genuine iPod interface (standard on LE, and it's one of the best we've used); Bluetooth connectivity; a rear-seat DVD system with a 9-inch drop-down screen; and of course Nissan's 20GB hard-drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic plus 9.3GB of memory allotted for music storage.
The Murano LE also makes a major statement with its range of optional convenience features, including intelligent key, rearview monitor, heated front and rear seats, dual-panel moonroof, xenon headlamps and power liftgate.
Standard equipment on all 2009 Muranos now includes push-button ignition; tilt-telescoping steering wheel (manual on S and SL, powered with memory on LE); AM/FM and six-CD changer audio system with six speakers (up from four) and an auxiliary input jack with MP3/WMA capability; and lever-released 60/40-fold-flat rear seatbacks with power return (standard on SL and LE).
Sumptuous and well-contoured front and rear seats complete the package. By refusing to give in to the trend toward three-row seating, the Murano has been able to maintain class-leading accommodations for the second-row rear passengers. With our high-zoot LE, even the rear passengers enjoy heated seats. A high level of equipment plus a pleasant overall ambience help elevate the Murano from stylistic curiosity to competitive player in the near-lux class for crossovers.
But good looks and fancy electronics go only so far.
Good Performance
At the test track, the powerful 2009 Murano LE accelerates to 60 mph in 8 seconds flat, while its capable four-wheel disc brakes stop it from 60 mph in just 122 feet. These performance figures place it near the top of its class.
When it comes to handling at the limit, the 4,135-pound Murano circles the skid pad (unimpeded by the stability control, which can't be shut off completely) with 0.79g in lateral grip. Weaving through the slalom field, however, awoke the safety system and it allowed only a pass at 59.2 mph.
A reengineered suspension with lightweight aluminum pieces and a new steering system also make the Murano a willing and surprisingly communicative partner in daily driving. No doubt the combination of these chassis upgrades and a new predictive (not reactive) all-wheel-drive system (first introduced by the 2008 Nissan Rogue) contribute to the Murano's genuine agility and overall feel of predictability. And, contrary to what some might expect from the newly available 20-inch rolling stock (LE model), the 235/50TR20 Toyo Proxes A20 tires don't degrade the ride either.
Cargo space seems to be the only area where Nissan has been unable to improve the Murano. The volume itself has shrunk fractionally, so Nissan has added convenience. There's a nifty pop-up grocery organizer first seen in the Rogue, as well as one-pull rear-seat releases in the cargo bay. The rear seats motor back into place with the push of a button either on the dashboard or next to the release lever in the rear.
A Compelling Crossover
Prices have yet to be announced, but expect a base front-wheel-drive 2009 Nissan Murano S to start at just over $28,000 and a fully loaded Murano LE AWD to bump its well-equipped head on the $40,000 ceiling.
This attractive array of models and prices, plus all of the substantial upgrades throughout the model range, should ensure the second-generation Murano continued success for at least another four years.
Nissan seemed to be taking a wild chance on an unproven market segment when it first introduced the Murano back in 2004, but now we've all realized that it was jumping into the future.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do....photopanel..2
Car & Driver
Tested: 2009 Nissan Murano SL AWD - Short Take Road Tests
Sharper sheetmetal and an upgraded interior add to this already fine-driving SUV.
BY MARK GILLIES, December 2007
We didn’t have too many gripes with the old Nissan Murano, introduced in 2003 as a 2004 model. Along with the Lexus RX300—now RX350—the Murano helped to pioneer the hot-selling vehicle du jour, the so-called crossover SUV. Often based on car platforms, crossovers combine the virtues of an SUV—available all-wheel drive, a high seating position, and wagon-like versatility—with more carlike handling and drivability than the traditional truck-based SUVs. The original Murano was based on the underpinnings of the previous generation Altima, so it drove quite nicely. The interior was versatile and roomy, and the only real letdown was the cheesy interior trim, which was as low rent as a trailer park in Alabama.
For 2009, Nissan has introduced the second-gen version of the vehicle, based on the latest Altima. Although Nissan says that it rides on its all-new D platform, both the old and new Murano share a 111.2 inch wheelbase. As before, the Murano has an all-around independent suspension, with struts at the front and a multilink arrangement at the rear. Speed-sensitive power steering is fitted, along with four-wheel vented disc brakes. The Murano is available either in front- or all-wheel-drive guise, the latter featuring enhanced electronic control to work seamlessly with the stability control system, which is now a standard feature.
Much Like the Old Murano
Like the previous vehicle, the Murano uses Nissan’s VQ 3.5 liter V-6 engine. In this iteration, it has been revised with a higher compression ratio and a variable intake system to give 265 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque, up from 240 hp and 244 lb-ft. The continuously variable automatic transmission remains, but has been upgraded to perform more like a conventional automatic. However, the lack of a manumatic controller is a hint that these vehicles are more likely to make school runs rather than carve mountain roads.
The new Murano looks a bit like the old one, but the sheetmetal is sharper edged and more modern, with a pleasingly butch stance when outfitted with the optional 20-inch wheels and tires (eighteens are standard equipment). The new model is a touch bigger, too; 0.1 inches wider (74.1 inches), 0.9 inches longer overall (188.5 inches), and 0.4 inches taller (66.9 inches).
The interior is marginally smaller than in the previous model due to the styling changes above the waistline, with 109 cubic feet of space for passengers and 32 cubic feet for their chattels. Passenger space is better than both the Ford Edge and Mazda CX-7, its most closely stacked competitors, while cargo room is almost identical. The new Toyota Highlander, which has an available third-row seat, has five cubic feet more space for occupants, although its cargo hold is 42 cubic feet without the optional third-row seat. Nissan purposely eschewed the current fashion of fitting a third-row bench seat that only functions as a penalty box for those times when Soccer Mom A needs Soccer Mom B to transport her kids to and from the game/school/whatever.
Refined Manners, Above-Average Performance
The most obvious and welcome improvement to the Murano is the interior décor and styling, which has gone from class lagging to class leading. There are plenty of soft-touch materials on display along with pleasing aluminum accents, as well as a boatload of available luxury features. The base S model is a touch Spartan, but the step-up SL gets standard refinements such as a power-operated second-row seatback and availability of a number of features that are standard on the upscale LE: heated front seats, Bluetooth phone connectivity, and a rear parking camera. A rear-seat entertainment system and hard-drive based navigation system appear on the options list, even for the LE. Fully loaded, with things such as the touch-screen nav, leather seats, the newly available dual panel power sliding glass moonroof with second-row skylight, and the premium stereo system, a Murano will come close to topping $40,000. The base S will cost about $29,000 when it goes on sale in January, with prices rising to an estimated $31,000 for the SL, and $33,000 for the LE. All-wheel drive adds $1600 to the S and SE stickers, but is standard on the LE.
The new Murano drives very much like the old one. The highway ride is nicely controlled and supple (engineers worked to address criticism that the original was too stiff), the steering is light yet accurate, and it can be guided along a country road at respectable speeds. The engine makes a subdued growl under hard acceleration, but the noise goes largely AWOL at part-throttle while cruising down the highway. The car steps off the line smartly enough, recording a 0-to-60-mph time of 7.2 seconds, which is above average for its class and 0.3-second quicker than the previous model. It hardly drives as sporty as the CX-7, but feels much lighter on its feet than the Edge. That’s almost moot for its target audience, which will doubtless be more appreciative of the refined cruising ability on the way to the mall.
http://www.caranddriver.com/shortroa...no-sl-awd.html
Last edited by speedflex; 12-07-07 at 12:44 PM.
Trending Topics
12-07-07 | 12:41 PM
#8
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,192
Likes: 3
From: none
At least they creased the door panel leather. I'm kinda getting sick of the lazy manufacturers slapping on (or rather stretching) a piece of leather over the door panel and calling that "synthetic leather door trim". There's no design whatsoever! The shell shape of this Murano's door trim looks unique.
01-15-08 | 05:49 PM
#9
Lead Lap
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,262
Likes: 10
From: NC
Lower Price
Nissan Prices Redesigned Murano @ $1,500 Less than Previous Model
Nissan has announced pricing on the all-new 2009 Nissan Murano crossover with a starting MSRP $1,500 lower on all models versus the previous generation.
The 2009 Murano is offered in five models: Murano S FWD, Murano S AWD, Murano SL FWD, Murano SL AWD and a new Murano LE AWD model (the previous generation Murano included a Murano SE AWD model).
The 2009 Murano S FWD starts at an MSRP of $26,330 and comes equipped with intelligent Xtronic CVT, dual zone air conditioning, power front windows with one-touch auto up/down with auto reverse feature, push button ignition, 60/40 split fold-flat rear seat, auxiliary audio input jack, 18-inch wheels and much more. The Murano S AWD has a starting MSRP of $27,930 and includes the same standard features on the FWD, along with Nissan’s all-wheel-drive system.
The Murano SL FWD, starting at $27,880 offers all the features on Murano S, plus rear privacy glass, front fog lights, steering wheel audio switches, leather wrapped steering wheel, 8-way power driver seat and 60/40 split fold-flat rear seatback with power return. The Murano SL AWD, starting at $29,480 adds AWD.
The new Murano LE AWD, starting at $35,910, offers 20-inch alloy wheels, bi-functional xenon headlights, Bose audio system with 11 speakers, XM Satellite Radio, Interface System for iPod, 7-inch color display, Intelligent Key, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, driver position memory (seat, mirrors, and steering wheel), leather-appointed seats, heated front and rear seats, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, interior wood trim, power liftgate, RearView Monitor and many others.
Nissan has announced pricing on the all-new 2009 Nissan Murano crossover with a starting MSRP $1,500 lower on all models versus the previous generation.
The 2009 Murano is offered in five models: Murano S FWD, Murano S AWD, Murano SL FWD, Murano SL AWD and a new Murano LE AWD model (the previous generation Murano included a Murano SE AWD model).
The 2009 Murano S FWD starts at an MSRP of $26,330 and comes equipped with intelligent Xtronic CVT, dual zone air conditioning, power front windows with one-touch auto up/down with auto reverse feature, push button ignition, 60/40 split fold-flat rear seat, auxiliary audio input jack, 18-inch wheels and much more. The Murano S AWD has a starting MSRP of $27,930 and includes the same standard features on the FWD, along with Nissan’s all-wheel-drive system.
The Murano SL FWD, starting at $27,880 offers all the features on Murano S, plus rear privacy glass, front fog lights, steering wheel audio switches, leather wrapped steering wheel, 8-way power driver seat and 60/40 split fold-flat rear seatback with power return. The Murano SL AWD, starting at $29,480 adds AWD.
The new Murano LE AWD, starting at $35,910, offers 20-inch alloy wheels, bi-functional xenon headlights, Bose audio system with 11 speakers, XM Satellite Radio, Interface System for iPod, 7-inch color display, Intelligent Key, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, driver position memory (seat, mirrors, and steering wheel), leather-appointed seats, heated front and rear seats, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, interior wood trim, power liftgate, RearView Monitor and many others.
02-05-08 | 07:54 AM
#12
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
One thing that I did ask while I was at the dealer was the price of an oil change. They said it was $29. Right there you save some bucks. The sales rep at Lexus told me they get $75 for an oil change.
Last edited by cwirth; 02-05-08 at 09:30 AM.
02-05-08 | 11:45 AM
#14
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,065
Likes: 74
From: San Francisco, CA
I went to the Nissan dealer last night to checkout the Murano. It is very nice. The interior rivals that of the RX350. It has all the feature that the RX has and more (push button start, factory XM radio, IPOD connects, backup camera with rear obstruction warning, multipanel moonroof). I was considering purchasing a used RX350 but when you can get a fully loaded Murano brand new for about the same price I may reconsider.
but i would like to say the interior is taken right out of infiniti's book, specifically the center stack with the buttons for the nav
02-05-08 | 01:01 PM
#15
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
It sure does but it is an option and the Murano comes with it. After checking the pricing of an Murano LE fully loaded with the normally optioned RX350 the price difference in MSRP is about $6,000. I think Nissan has a real competitor to the RX and it is less expensive.